The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 79

At Frauenberg's the place of rendezvous; There will Count Galas give you further orders.

_Isolani._ It shall be done. But you'll remember me With the Emperor--how well disposed you found me. 70

_Octavio._ I will not fail to mention it honourably.

[_Exit ISOLANI. A_ Servant _enters._

What, Colonel Butler!--Shew him up.

_Isolani (returning)._ Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father!

Lord G.o.d! how should I know, then, what a great Person I had before me.

_Octavio._ No excuses! 75

_Isolani._ I am a merry lad, and if at time A rash word might escape me 'gainst the court Amidst my wine--You know no harm was meant. [_Exit._

_Octavio._ You need not be uneasy on that score.

That has succeeded. Fortune favour us 80 With all the others only but as much!

LINENOTES:

[Before 2] _Octavio (with an air of mystery)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[Before 3] _Isolani (a.s.suming the same air of mystery)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[27] _Isolani (with an air of defiance)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[Before 32] _Isolani (stammering)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[36] _Hem_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[40] _must_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[55] _will_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

SCENE V

_OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, BUTLER._

_Butler._ At your command, Lieutenant-General.

_Octavio._ Welcome, as honoured friend and visitor.

_Butler._ You do me too much honour.

_Octavio (after both have seated themselves)._ You have not Returned the advances which I made you yesterday-- Misunderstood them, as mere empty forms. 5 That wish proceeded from my heart--I was In earnest with you--for 'tis now a time In which the honest should unite most closely.

_Butler._ 'Tis only the like-minded can unite.

_Octavio._ True! and I name all honest men like-minded. 10 I never charge a man but with those acts To which his character deliberately Impels him; for alas! the violence Of blind misunderstandings often thrusts The very best of us from the right track. 15 You came through Frauenberg. Did the Count Galas Say nothing to you? Tell me. He's my friend.

_Butler._ His words were lost on me.

_Octavio._ It grieves me sorely To hear it: for his counsel was most wise.

I had myself the like to offer.

_Butler._ Spare 20 Yourself the trouble--me th' embarra.s.sment, To have deserved so ill your good opinion.

_Octavio._ The time is precious--let us talk openly.

You know how matters stand here. Wallenstein Meditates treason--I can tell you further-- 25 He has committed treason; but few hours Have past, since he a covenant concluded With the enemy. The messengers are now Full on their way to Egra and to Prague.

To-morrow he intends to lead us over 30 To the enemy. But he deceives himself; For prudence wakes--the Emperor has still Many and faithful friends here, and they stand In closest union, mighty though unseen.

This manifesto sentences the Duke-- 35 Recalls the obedience of the army from him, And summons all the loyal, all the honest, To join and recognize in me their leader.

Choose--will you share with us an honest cause?

Or with the evil share an evil lot? 40

_Butler (rises)._ His lot is mine.

_Octavio._ Is that your last resolve?

_Butler._ It is.

_Octavio._ Nay, but bethink you, Colonel Butler!

As yet you have time. Within my faithful breast That rashly uttered word remains interred.

Recall it, Butler! choose a better party: 45 You have not chosen the right one.

_Butler (going)._ Any other Commands for me, Lieutenant-General?

_Octavio._ See your white hairs! Recall that word!

_Butler._ Farewell!

_Octavio._ What, would you draw this good and gallant sword In such a cause? Into a curse would you 50 Transform the grat.i.tude which you have earned By forty years' fidelity from Austria?

_Butler (laughing with bitterness)._ Grat.i.tude from the House of Austria. [_He is going._

_Octavio (permits him to go as far as the door, then calls after him)._ Butler!

_Butler._ What wish you?

_Octavio._ How was't with the Count?

_Butler._ Count? what?

_Octavio._ The t.i.tle that you wished, I mean. 55

_Butler (starts in sudden pa.s.sion)._ h.e.l.l and d.a.m.nation!